I Know Who Holds Tomorrow by Francis Ray Page B

hard glare. “Wait a minute. Did the aunt know? Is that why she signed the papers?”
    Her voice trembled. Zachary didn’t know if it was in rage or humiliation. He could handle the outrage; he wasn’t so sure about the tears or hurt. “The lawyer simply presented the necessary facts. That despite your husband’s injuries he was concerned about the child since it was known
that the great-aunt was the only living relative. You consented to care for the child, but due to the circumstances you were unable to check Manda out of the hospital or visit the aunt.”
    â€œYou think you’ve trapped me, don’t you?” The challenge was back in her voice.
    â€œThat was never my intention.” He didn’t shy away from the anger in her face or in her eyes. She had a right.
    â€œI’ll bet. You orchestrated this entire thing.” Furious, she shook her head. “Well, it won’t work. No matter what papers you have. She can’t stay.”
    â€œYou’d rather send her to a foster home? You said yourself some of them were unfit,” he reminded her.
    Her hands clenched at her sides. She didn’t like him using her own words against her. “Then find someplace else. Ask Wes’s parents.”
    He pulled Manda protectively closer. “Can you honestly imagine A.J. and Vanessa giving her the love and care she needs?”
    She couldn’t.
    â€œThere is no place else,” he said, when she didn’t answer his question. “When the lawyer visited her great-aunt, she was relieved you wanted to care for Manda. I understand her eyesight is bad, but she’s listened to your shows and approved of you caring for Manda. She said Manda’s mother didn’t have any close friends who might step forward.”
    â€œCertainly not married ones,” Madison quipped. As soon as the words were out she regretted their snippiness. She dragged her hand through her hair. “I don’t want to discuss this. Just leave.”
    â€œPlease reconsider, Madison. Could you honestly send her someplace where you had no guarantee they wouldn’t mistreat her?”
    She couldn’t, and it angered her that he seemed to know. “If you leave her here you don’t have a guarantee, either.”
    His expression softened. “Yes, I do. I saw you with her in the hospital.”
    Madison slowly shook her head. “You can’t be sure.” Her eyes shut. “I can’t be sure,” she mumbled softly to herself.
    Zachary heard. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
    Her eyes snapped open. “You have her, you keep her.”
    He bounced Manda on his knee. “Told you. My lawyer says I don’t have a chance.”
    Madison rubbed both hands over her face. When had he become so
stubborn and so talkative? “Can’t you get it through your head that I’m not involved in this? I had nothing to do with her being here.”
    â€œNeither did she.”
    Madison glanced at Manda staring at her and fought hard to rein in her temper. “Why are you pushing this?”
    â€œRemember, I gave my word,” he answered simply.
    Madison vividly recalled giving her word as well, but she hadn’t known the truth then. Much as she tried to close her mind and heart to the baby’s happy chattering a few feet away, she couldn’t forget how satisfying and good it had felt to have Manda trust her enough to come willingly into her arms, to take a bottle from her, then fall asleep in her arms. “Contact a private adoption agency. You’ll be able to check out the applicants personally.”
    â€œI know this isn’t easy,” Zachary said, ignoring her suggestion. “Open your heart, Madison. You both have lost so much.”
    Madison shoved her hands into her pockets again. “I don’t want to discuss it any further. She’s been fed, and now you can go.”
    â€œYou have every right to be angry